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Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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General Information

General Information

All guests, including Dallas Zoo Members, are asked to reserve tickets online prior to visiting.

Hours of operation

The Dallas Zoo is open 364 days a year! Closed Christmas Day (Dec. 25). The Zoo hours vary based on the season. 

Winter Hours:

Early Sept. – Feb. 28
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spring Hours:

March 1 – Mid-Summer
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer Hours:

Mid-Summer – Early Sept.
Reduced hours – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Location

The Zoo is located three miles south of downtown Dallas, just off I-35E at the Ewing Ave. / Marsalis Ave. exit.

Main Address:

650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway
(I-35E), Dallas, TX 75203

 

know before you go

Guest Guidelines

We’re so glad you’re visiting! Please view our Guest Guidelines. We ask that you please be respectful of the Zoo and our animals during your visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Dallas Zoo is open every day except Christmas Day, December 25.

Seasonal Zoo hours of operation:

  • Spring and early Summer: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Late Summer: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
  • Fall and Winter: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Save more when you plan ahead! Our new Plan-Ahead Pricing lets you buy general admission Zoo tickets in advance and enjoy the best rates. The earlier you buy, the more you save!

Ticket prices vary based on demand and other factors, but you’ll always find options that fit your schedule and budget.

Children 2 and under always get free admission – you do not need to reserve a ticket for anyone age 2 and under!Dallas Zoo members get FREE admission and parking with their membership.

Parking is $12 for non-members. 

We ask that tickets are purchased online in advance.

Please visit our website, DallasZoo.com to purchase your Zoo tickets today!

Yes, use CityPASS® tickets to visit Dallas Zoo plus 3 more top Dallas attractions at up to a 51% savings. Buy CityPASS® tickets online for instant mobile ticket delivery. Simply, present your CityPASS® tickets at any guest admission booth at either of the Dallas Zoo’s two entrances (main or south) to receive your timed admission ticket – no advanced reservations are required.

Spring at the Zoo is one of the most popular times of year. We expect to see heavy crowds and limited parking.

To make the most of your Zoo experience, use these helpful tips to plan your visit, find parking, avoid crowds, locate your favorite habitats, and navigate the Zoo with ease. 

We are located at 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway in Dallas.

Via car: Exit at Marsalis Avenue from Interstate 35E. Our main entrance is located by the tall giraffe statue, on the northbound access road of I-35E.

Via DART: Take the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) RED LINE to the Dallas Zoo Station.

Guests may bring their own food and drinks, although glass items, alcoholic beverages and single-use disposable straws are not permitted. There are no facilities available for food or cooler storage. We have several restaurants and food and beverage carts on the grounds with a wide selection of healthy, affordable menu items.

For the safety of our animals and yours, the Dallas Zoo does not allow pets on the grounds. ADA compliant service animals are permitted.

You may bring your own strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs, but they also are available to rent. Our costs:

  • Single stroller: $11
  • Double stroller: $15
  • Manual Wheelchair: $15
  • Electronic Wheel Chair w/ Canopy: $35

Rentals are subject to availability and are rented on a first-come, first-served basis at the Gift Shop, located just inside the front gate. Call 469.554.7462 for more information.

For lost and found, please visit the Guest Services office on Zoo grounds or call (469)-544-7501 for assistance. 

 

Family restrooms can be found in ZooNorth in the Wonders of the Wild Amphitheater. An additional family restroom is available in Simmons Safari Base Camp in the Giants of the Savanna.

Yes, there are baby-changing stations in every set of restrooms.

The Comfort Station (located in the Guest Services building next to the Gift Shop) is also available for nursing mothers and includes power outlets for pumping mothers.

If you’re interested in hosting an event, reach out to our team at GroupSales@DallasZoo.com or call 469-554-7479. 

The Dallas Zoo is pleased to give back to the community by considering all charitable donation requests from qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the North Texas area. It is our policy to donate up to one (1) Family Fun Four-Pack (two adult and two child admission tickets) per year per eligible organization. Behind the scenes tours or blocks of tickets are not donated. Click here and fill out our request form to be considered.

The Dallas Zoo is open 364 days out of the year, excluding Christmas Day. 

Wedding and portrait photography is allowed at the Dallas Zoo.

Fees are charged by the hour. People intending to take photos/film/video for commercial purposes at the Dallas Zoo must submit a request in writing to the Dallas Zoo Marketing Department at least two weeks before the date of the intended photo shoot.

Contact us at Press@DallasZoo.com for details.

We prefer to limit in-and-outs, but you may return to your vehicle if you forgot something you need.

The time on your ticket is meant to be your window for arrival at the Zoo. We ask that you try to arrive as close to that timeframe as possible.

If you’re not able to do so, we will accommodate your same-day arrival as best we can given crowds. We ask that you contact Guest Services at (469)-554-7501 or email tickets@dallaszoo.com to reschedule if you need to adjust the day of your visit. 

The Dallas Zoo tickets are non-refundable; however, we are happy to exchange your tickets to visit another day.

Please contact Guest Services at (469)-554-7501 or email  tickets@dallaszoo.com for assistance. 

We offer special discount days and programs throughout the year. A complete list of available discounts can be found on our website. If a discount is not listed, it is not currently offered. Please note that we do not participate in the SNAP discount program. 

Visit Buy Tickets to view available discounts. 

As a member of your local AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, you gain access to discounted admissions to other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that choose to participate in the Reciprocal Admissions Program. The Dallas Zoo is an AZA-accredited zoo.

Click here for more information. 

The Dallas Zoo is open rain or shine, so we encourage guests to check the forecast before purchasing tickets.

For extreme weather conditions, please check our social media channels or look for an email from the Zoo for any operational changes. 

Dallas Zoo events are rain or shine unless severe weather permits. In the case of extreme weather and the event is cancelled or rescheduled, we will notify attendees. 

If you do not receive a notification regarding a cancellation or rescheduling due to the weather, please plan to attend your favorite Dallas Zoo event.

Be sure to follow us on social @DallasZoo for event updates. 

Our animals are on special diets, so outside food is not permitted for feeding the animals. Guests may purchase special items from the Zoo to feed the giraffes, Galapagos tortoises (seasonal), and the birds at Birds Landing in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo.

If you do not see the animal of your choice, unfortunately, feedings are not available. 

When temperatures reach triple or drop below freezing, some of our animals might retreat to their barns.

We ask all guests to respect that our animals have choice and control over their decision to roam about their habitats. 

You can join the Dallas Zoo membership program:

  • By visiting the Membership page. 
  • By calling 469.554.7400.
  • By stopping by the Membership Booth at the front gates at the Zoo. 

If you have any Dallas Zoo membership related questions, please email Members@DallasZoo.com.

We are happy to accept donations. Please visit Donate to the Zoo to learn more about how to make a donation to the Zoo.

If you need further assistance, please call 469-554-7420 or email Development@DallasZoo.com. 

We love our volunteers! Visit our volunteers page to see our adult and youth volunteer opportunities.

The Dallas Zoo welcomes groups and organizations throughout the year for WILD field trips. Visitors of all ages can spark and maintain their interest in animals, the environment, science, and more!

Head to our Field Trip Planner page to plan your trip and review our FAQs.

If you need additional assistance, contact our Education team at education@dallaszoo.com.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Please visit Careers to learn about job opportunities at the Dallas Zoo. 

Neither drones or stand-up scooters are allowed in the zoo, for the safety of guests and animals.

To reduce exposure to secondhand smoke to our guests, animals and staff and ensure a good experience for all guests, smoking and vaping will not be allowed inside the Dallas Zoo. Guests may smoke only in designated areas, which are located more than 25 feet from both the Main and South entry gates. Hand stamps will be provided to ensure easy re-entry. Should you observe a guest smoking, please report it to a Zoo employee, and we’ll address the situation.

No. Under state law, the Zoo is considered both an amusement park and an educational institution, so concealed weapons aren’t allowed, even for licensed holders of concealed handgun permits.

Join and Save $30!

Become a member today to get FREE general admission and parking, member-only hours and events, and savings throughout the Zoo. Right now, you can save $30 when you join at the Passport level or above!

Join Now

Want to give membership as a gift? Click here